This is an itinerary exploring Ukraine through the lens of identity. Any aspect of this itinerary may be expanded or even become the focal point of a visit to Ukraine. Archaeology, Jewish history, the Soviet period, WWII, and contemporary Ukrainian identity are only a few of the topics to be explored here.

AM: Drive to Uman. Lecture and excursion: A birthplace of Hasidism, a Meeting Point of Identities, Religions and the Crossroads of Superpowers.
PM: Visit the tomb of Tzadik Nachman and the Hasidic area of Uman. Visit the historical Sophia Potozca Park

Lehedzyne Village

Day 5

AM: Archeological site of Trypillia, a stone-age culture, new knowledge of the Indo-European origins; Themed ceramic workshop; Research center and museum.
PM: Culture, Art and Traditional life of a Ukrainian village. Concert by local musicians. Traditional Dinner.

Pervomaysk / Odesa

Day 6

AM: The Post-Soviet / Cold War Heritage. Trip to Pervomaysk to visit the Strategic Missile Museum.
PM: Arrival in Odesa. Check in and local orientation.

Day 7

AM: Yoga on the beach. The tour of imperial Odesa. Historical Accents.
PM: Odessa is the birthplace of Zionism. Jewish quarters and heritage. Meet local poets.

Day 8

AM: Odesa in the literary and film-making retrospective. Literature Museum and Odesa Film Studio.
PM: Odesa Opera. Excursion and show.

This concentrated itinerary is ideal for Spring Break. Through excursions, peer interactions and optional performances and activities, it provides a brief, yet insightful introduction to Russia through its two main cities.

This is a basic itinerary introducing Russia to any type of group – student, faculty, alumni – either with or without some background knowledge of Russia. Sites and activities are flexible so that a program can easily be adjusted to meet a group budget or specific learning goals.

This expanded itinerary is designed for students and provides 30 academic hours that can be transcripted. The program offers a more in-depth view of Russian history and culture, culminating in interactions and discussions related to contemporary society. The program is ideal for a group that has had a basic introduction to Russia at their home university. Language study, in the form of Survival Russian can also be added.

Day

Activities

St. Petersburg

Day 1

Arrive to St. Petersburg, transfer to University dorms
Campus area tour and light dinner

This itinerary is designed for a group with a background in environmental science and related subjects. The program uses the unique natural environment of Siberia and Lake Baikal as a living classroom with very hands-on field study opportunities. It offers 45 academic hours which is approximately the equivalent of one US-based 3-credit hour semester course. A program could be shortened/simplified or expanded to incorporate research in the field. The itinerary suggests a short trip to Moscow and St. Petersburg as an optional add-on.

This itinerary is designed for any level of Maritime Studies students. The program is set in St. Petersburg and takes advantage of the city’s rich history as birthplace of the Russian navy and shipbuilding along with its past and current activity as an important port city of the Baltic Sea.

This intense itinerary, with travel to multiple sites, is designed to provide an introductory overview of Central Asia. The program combines lectures by the visiting faculty leader and guest speakers, along with visits to key areas and sites in the region. Further immersion in the culture of the region is possible with a 5-day horse trek through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

This itinerary is aimed at students interested in Jewish heritage, WWII history, and Holocaust Studies. It includes a service project doing restoration work at a Jewish cemetery and, depending on timing, could include the Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow. This itinerary can be modified to include other destinations in Poland, Berlin, Prague, or other sites relevant to this history.